Southern Illinois University
Indiana University
Women’s Basketball falls at No. 8 Indiana
12/23/2021 | 1:47:00 | Women's Basketball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Southern Illinois University women's basketball team fell to the No. 8 Indiana Hoosiers, 70-37, Thursday afternoon to close out non-conference play.
The Hoosiers (10-2) scored the game's first eight points and built a double-digit lead by the end of the first period that it never relinquished.
"We didn't get off to the start that we wanted to," head coach Cindy Stein said. "But being in this environment was invaluable. What a great crowd. But we got in here and didn't have the best timing on our openings and our entries. They put outstanding pressure on the ball. Those things happen. We had some good looks and they didn't go down so we had to just keep battling. It got a little out of hand, so we just worked on what we need to work on: spacing, the press, trying to get some kids in the game and stuff like that."
From there, Indiana used its considerable length and size advantage to swarm passing lanes which, in turn, forced SIU to take difficult shots. Southern shot just 14.8-percent from the field in the first half during which time Indiana built a comfortable 38-8 halftime lead. On the offensive end, the Hoosiers attacked the basket with impunity, as 46 of their 70 points came in the paint.
"They are a very athletic team so they are quick to react and quick to recover," Stein said. "When there are openings, they are brief and you've got to have good looks. We just missed our opportunities so our timing was off but a lot of it was because of their defense. We also weren't allowed to play as physical as we would like. That was a big difference especially once Gabby and Abby got in foul trouble."
Peyton McCallister finished with 10 points on 3-of-7 shooting to lead the way for the Salukis. Makenzie Silvey added nine points and four rebounds while Abby Brockmeyer chipped in seven points and five rebounds.
Southern was held scoreless through the opening six minutes of play. Indiana led by 11 (15-4) after one period and nearly tripled its lead in the second quarter when SIU's offense stagnated. Southern missed its final 12 shots of the first half and IU closed the frame on a 15-0 run.
Indiana helped own cause by shooting 52.7-percent from the floor during the contest and held the Salukis to 27.3-percent shooting.
The Salukis return to action Friday, Dec. 31 when they host Valparaiso to kick off conference play. Tip-off on New Year's Eve is set for 2 p.m.
